Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Seismic Engineering
School	School of Engineering
Department	Civil Engineering
Module Code	04 26640
Module Lead	Dr P Martinez-Vazquez
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	30 students only
Contact Hours	Lecture-32 hours Tutorial-20 hours Guided independent study-148 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	Aim: Introduction to, and application of, key elements of structural dynamics, associated methods of analysis and key design concepts with practical applications to earthquake engineering Syllabus: 1. Introduction to dynamics and its effect on structures - seismic loading, wind loading, storm wave loading and blast loading. Analytical solution to Single Degree of freedom system, concept of resonance and damped dynamic system. 2. Multiple degrees of freedom system, approximate energy method, simple eigenvalue analysis using beam finite element. 3. Introduction to the cause of earthquake, earthquake loading and key design concepts including design spectrum and ductility. Introduction to Eurocode 8, q factor, analysis of steel and RC structure according to Eurocode 8, earthquake resistant design including mitigating methods such as base isolation, tuned mass damper and viscous damper. 4. Combination of structural dynamics with design concepts on earthquake resistant design to form a consistent methodology for structural analysis and design. 5. Estimation of the rotational period of soil-structure frames and the definition of modified seismic forces dues to the rocking motion of the soil.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: determine when inertial effect is important and acquire an insight into the key basic structural design concepts concerning dynamic loading; perform basic hand calculations concerning simple structural dynamics problems; develop systematic knowledge on how dynamic effects should be accounted for and mitigated in seismic engineering design and applications; calculate design spectra by using random load as well as to calculate the simplified spectra recommended by relevant codes of practice; estimate the modification of inertial forces acting on a building due to soil-structure interaction.
Assessment	26640-15 : Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Assessment: 40% Coursework, 60% exam Reassessment: 100% Centrally timetabled written unseen exam
Other	None
Reading List